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Kindergarten Grade  Project 4 weeks

Toytastic Creations: Craft Your Dream Playmate!

Lyndsey L
CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.3
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to immerse kindergarten students in a creative exploration of toy design, fostering their understanding of shapes and materials while enhancing literacy and communication skills. Through hands-on activities and community engagement, students will develop self-directed learning habits, strengthen their sense of identity and belonging, and practice critical thinking and problem-solving. The experience culminates in a community exhibition and toy swap, where students showcase their creations, share their learning journey, and celebrate their achievements with family and peers.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of geometric shapes by modeling and constructing toys using various materials. They will engage in shared research and writing projects to express their preferences and ideas about toys, enhancing their literacy skills. Through self-directed learning, students will reflect on their toy designs, incorporating peer and teacher feedback to refine their creations. They will also cultivate an academic mindset by establishing a sense of belonging and identity within the classroom community, while practicing critical thinking and problem-solving to design toys that appeal to their peers.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B.5 - Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay balls) and drawing shapes.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.7 - Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them).
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.3 - Ask and answer questions in order to seek help, get information, or clarify something that is not understood.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and build their own unique toys, such as puppets made from recycled materials like socks and buttons, incorporating various shapes and textures. Throughout the project, they will also create a design journal, documenting their ideas, materials used, and the steps taken to bring their toy to life. The final product will be showcased at a community toy exhibition, where students will present and explain their creations to family members and community partners.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, initiate a Toy Design Challenge where students are grouped into small teams and tasked with creating a simple toy using a limited selection of materials such as paper, string, and cardboard. Encourage students to brainstorm and collaborate, fostering teamwork and creativity. This engaging activity will spark excitement and set the stage for the upcoming project, as students share their initial creations and ideas with the class.

Exhibition

Invite families and community members to a Toy Swap and Share event where students display their handmade toys alongside their peers. At the exhibition, students will have the opportunity to present their creations, explain their design process, and engage in a toy swap with classmates, promoting sharing and community interaction. This event will also feature interactive play stations where visitors can engage with the toys, providing students with valuable feedback and recognition for their hard work.